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A proposal to change the existing leadership and management structure of Ashburton and Rural Health Services has been released to affected staff this week.

Michael Frampton, General Manager – People and Capability for the Canterbury DHB, says the DHB’s investment in new facilities, models of care and workforce development and the need for locally focused and integrated health services in each rural area is creating an environment of change.

“This proposal is to change the existing leadership structure for Ashburton and Rural Health Services in order that Ashburton leadership can focus on Ashburton, and other rural areas are supported to continue the progress underway towards health services that are as relevant and responsive to their areas and communities as possible,” Michael says.

“The proposed changes support a continued focus on rural health services right across Canterbury.”

Key principles include:

The leadership separation of Ashburton and other Rural Health Services to enable dedicated focus on the integration of health services for the Ashburton district and the facilities development work occurring in Ashburton

The establishment of dedicated leadership to lead engagement with local communities across rural Canterbury [other than Ashburton] to identify and fully realise health services and associated facilities which will meet their specific needs

Enhanced clinical and operational connectedness between Ashburton hospital services and the Christchurch City Hospitals
A consultation period on the proposed changes will be in place from 15 April until 13 May and the outcomes of the process are expected to be announced shortly thereafter. ​